UConn suspends fraternity amid assault charges against former president following hazing incidents

A University of Connecticut fraternity had been suspended after its former president was arrested twice in the past week in connection with an alleged hazing incident and assault.

The Lambda Theta Phi fraternity was notified Thursday that its campus chapter has been suspended and must cease operations while school officials investigates allegations of hazing, which allegedly occurred in February.

David Vallejo, 23, president of the Lambda Theta Phi fraternity, was arrested last week in connection with the hazing allegations.

UConn fraternity president accused of assaulting new member during hazing incident

State police said the allegations were discovered when a person went to Troop C in Tolland and asked to speak with a trooper about an alleged assault that happened on Feb. 8 and 9, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

Troopers learned that the victim was a UConn student. It was alleged that on Feb. 8 and 9 during the initiation process, the victim was assaulted by Vallejo who was head pledge master and a former president of the fraternity. It was during the initiation process “hazing” happened and the victim was physically assaulted, the warrant affidavit said.

The allegations reportedly took place at a house on the Tolland Turnpike in Willington.

“The University takes a zero-tolerance approach to behaviors that endanger others, and is committed to providing safe, healthy, and respectful environments in all UConn organizations and on UConn’s campuses,” UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said in a statement.

“Lambda Theta Phi has operated a campus chapter at UConn since 1991,” Reitz said. “Its suspension is effective immediately while the investigation is underway.”

Reitz added that Vallejo was also was arrested by campus police Tuesday on charges of third-degree strangulation, disorderly conduct and third-degree assault, according to the UConn Police Department.

Police said Vallejo on March 21 stopped the victim from breathing when he held his forearm across the his neck. The victim reportedly owed Vallejo money.